This lesson will be in two parts. They will teach us how to overcome temptation. Sometimes our trials are testing on the outside, or they can be temptations on the inside. When testing seems hard we may be tempted to complain or murmur against God. We may question God’s love and resist his will. So many can’t see God working to perfect them, and they get angry or have a pity party. At this point, you are failing the test, and yielding to the temptation. If we are going to survive, and grow in our walk with God we must learn how to overcome temptation. Satan sees his opportunity when things become difficult for you, and he will do all he can to capitalize on your weakness.
God may test us, but he never tempts us to do wrong. We are the guilty ones when we turn testing into temptations. Today let’s look at how the judgment of God can help us to overcome temptation.
James 1:13 “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”
First, as we go through verses 13-15, notice where the judgment of God ends with death. It starts with a little temptation, but if we follow the highway of lust, the final destination will be death. Today we will see the progression, and focus on, as Barney from the old Andy Griffith show used to say, “nip it in the bud.”
In James 1:14, the word lust means a strong desire, not just sexual sin, as most think of lust, but of any kind. God gives us normal desires in life, and they are not sinful if we keep them in the confines God has designed. We are to control them not allow them to control us.
James 1:14 “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”
When temptation comes Satan will try to deceive us. He knows what appeals to the flesh, and he will use that to entice us. No alcoholic ever dreamed they would become one when they took that first drink. Satan enticed them until they were hooked. We never see the consequences of sin until it is full-blown, and we don’t seem to know how to get out. Usually, much damage is done before the alcoholic gives up his drink. However, if we know the word of God we can see the temptation for what it is, through Jesus we can overcome the temptation.
I John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
The desires we have are focused on our emotions. The deception is centered on the intellect, but the next step, disobedience moves to the will. If we are going to be successful in our spiritual growth we must not operate on feelings. When you allow your feelings to be in control, instead of your will, the temptations will overtake you. It is vital to your walk with God to exercise your will. Just like any other exercise the more you do it the easier it gets.
James 1:15 “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
If we allow ourselves to go down the highway of desire, turn on the road of deception, and follow the path of disobedience, our exit will be eternal death! You may think you have enjoyed the pleasures of sin for a season, but you never get away with it.
Galatians 6:7 “ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Numbers 32:23 “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.”
We can endure temptation, and overcome it if we will look at the big picture. We cannot change the consequences of sin. Our only alternative is to determine not to follow the path. If you are reading this, and you already find yourself following the road that leads to destruction, get OFF! The longer you stay on it the greater the consequences. You may think this applies only to those who have sinned in ways that our society sees as “big” sins, but to God sin is sin. Gossip, lying, cheating, anger, jealousy, selfishness, lack of church attendance and I could go on and on, all have their consequences. Each one is a sin that God wants to free you from. Take the exit ramp now. Repent, and yield your will to His will. Put the barrier up at the highway of desire. Think of the consequences of sin, it is spiritual death!
Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death”
I remember as a child we would sing a song in church that said; “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin.” We need to remember we don’t have to yield, God, gave us a free will to choose, and he will make a way to escape if we will take it.
I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Excellent